"We are hearing from exhibitors that they have customers coming," said Phil James, CEO of the National Glass Association, McLean, Va., which organizes GlassBuild America. "Exhibitors are expecting that the companies that are here are the ones in a position to start growing their business again," he said. "They are here because they are ready to innovate. They are here because they want to differentiate their product lines. They are here to do business."

Nearly 400 companies, including 57 new to GlassBuild America, are on the show floor. Eighty-four international exhibitors representing Austria, Belgium, China, Israel, Canada, Germany, Latvia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom are participating in the event.

"We’re here to promote our new products ... and a few important contacts can really make the show successful," said Jeff Nichols, vice president of sales and marketing for Standard Bent Glass, Butler, Pa., from the show floor. "My expectations are that will happen."